A newborn baby boy was found dead in a manhole in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, July 23. The discovery was made by the Diobu vigilante group at Ekwe Street by Ikwerre Road, Mile 3 Diobu. A passerby shared a photo online, saying, “Don’t know whether the baby is still alive.” However, it was later confirmed that the baby was already dead.
Mr. Godstime Ihunwo, Chief Security Officer of Nkpolu Orowurokwo, stated, “In the early hours of today, July 23, at about 5 a.m., my team and I were on patrol. On getting to Ikwerre Road/Ekwe Street, Mile 3 Diobu, Port Harcourt, we discovered that a newborn baby was dumped in a manhole. We discovered that the baby was dead. It was a male.”
Prince Wiro, National Coordinator of the Centre for Basic Rights Protection and Accountability Campaign, condemned the mother’s actions, saying, “It is sad that before the vigilante group discovered the infant male, he was already dead. The action of the mother of the child is a crime that is punishable under Nigerian law.”
Wiro urged residents with information about the mother’s identity to report to the police, saying, “We use this opportunity to urge residents who may have useful information about the identity of the child’s mother to report to the Police for necessary action.”
The incident has sparked outrage, with many calling for justice for the abandoned baby. The police are currently investigating the matter, and efforts are being made to identify the mother and bring her to justice. The discovery of the dead baby in the manhole has highlighted the need for increased awareness and support for safe and legal abortion options, as well as resources for new mothers.
